Tonsillectomy Treatment

What is

Tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsillar tissue in the throat. Enlarged tonsils can be a major contributor to airway obstruction leading to snoring and sleep apnea. Removing the tonsils can also provide relief for patients with chronically-infected tonsils and tonsil stones. A tonsillectomy is typically considered if a tonsillar reduction procedure will not be effective for improving symptoms.

Depending on a patient's condition, ENT of Georgia South's ear, nose, and throat specialists may be able to remove tonsillar tissue using radiofrequency (RF) or Harmonic technology, rather than a conventional scalpel or electrocautery. Tonsillectomy surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center or hospital. It involves the surgeon carefully removing the tonsils from the back of the throat. Sometimes, it is performed in conjunction with adenoid removal in a procedure called adenotonsillectomy.

A tonsillectomy performed using RF or Harmonic technology is a gentler way to remove the tonsils. This innovative surgery results in less pain and faster recovery for patients. The technology removes, or ablates, tonsil tissue with little harm to surrounding healthy tissue. Radiofrequency and Harmonic technology are not heat-driven processes, therefore they do not burn healthy tissue like conventional electrosurgery and laser surgery. It combines bipolar radiofrequency energy, or Harmonic vibrational energy, to gently and precisely remove tissue leading to a fast and easier recovery. Radiofrequency technology and Harmonic technology have been used in more than 4 million surgeries, including more than 500,000 ear, nose and throat surgeries.

What are the Advantages of a

Radiofrequency or Harmonic Tonsillectomy?

Patients report a better overall experience with a radiofrequency tonsillectomy after surgery, when compared to traditional surgery
Calls and visits to the doctor due to problems after surgery are significantly reduced with radiofrequency or Harmonic tonsillectomy
On average, patients return to a normal diet in 2-4 days after the procedure, versus 6-7 days after an electrocautery tonsillectomy procedure
Less post-operative pain and use of pain medications after the procedure
Procedure permanently enlarges breathing passage to increase airflow and prevent obstruction
Patients have decreased frequency of ear, nose and throat illnesses

While many patients notice significant improvements in snoring and sleep apnea symptoms within several weeks of having the tonsillectomy surgery, the full benefit will usually be realized over the course of several months. In addition, many patients report less ear, nose and throat-related illnesses following the procedure.

If your tonsils are a problem contributing to snoring, sleep apnea, or poor overall health, take the first step towards a better night’s sleep and a healthier lifestyle. Make an appointment at ENT of Georgia South for an evaluation today.